Support for families with babies and young children in Southend is undergoing changes as the A Better Start Southend (ABSS) National Lottery Community Fund grant concludes in March 2025.
Over the past decade, ABSS has supported 7,865 children aged 0–3, along with pregnant women in six wards, through projects and services aimed at making Southend an ideal place to raise a child.
The program has dedicated itself to:
- Collaborating with local partners
- Listening to and supporting families and young children
Local organizations and parents have played an essential role in exploring new ways to deliver services that give children in Southend the best start in life.
Nia Thomas, Director of A Better Start Southend, said:
“We want to thank all our delivery partners, parent champions, and everyone who has been part of the A Better Start Southend journey over the last decade, especially the families and children that have accessed the services we’ve supported.”
“Their experiences and feedback have helped us discover new and different ways to improve the lives of babies and local families.”
“Now that the time has come to look beyond A Better Start Southend, we are working with our partners to plan for the future and support a new era of early years, family support, and partnership working.”
“City Family Community Interest Company will be key to ensuring A Better Start Southend’s legacy in the city.”
Transitioning to City Family CIC
From November, City Family CIC will launch a service providing first-line advice and support, especially focusing on ABSS projects and the transition to Beyond ABSS. Some projects will continue with funding, while others may change in delivery or end.
For further information on the transition, visit ABSS Beyond or email BeyondABSS@eyalliance.org.uk.